When it came to the 2020 NFL Draft, most Chicago Bears fans were glued to their televisions and phones, wondering who the team would select with their respective draft picks.
The Bears selected seven draft picks over the weekend and have already received fairly high grades. But what about the other three teams in the NFC North? How did the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings do in the draft? Read below to see their complete draft classes and how they made out.
Detroit Lions
- Round 1, Pick #3 – CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State
- Round 2, Pick #35 – RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia
- Round 3, Pick #67 – EDGE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
- Round 3, Pick #75 – G Jonah Jackson, Ohio State
- Round 4, Pick #121 – G Logan Stenberg, Kentucky
- Round 5, Pick #166 – WR Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin
- Round 5, Pick #172 – RB Jason Huntley, New Mexico State
- Round 6, Pick #197 – DT John Penisini, Utah
- Round 7, Pick #235 – DT Jashon Cornell, Ohio State
Analysis: The Lions have been the doormat in the NFC North for quite some time, but their 2020 draft class could be a key factor in their resurgence. They grabbed a pair of Buckeyes with two of their top picks, highlighted by their top selection of Jeff Okudah. The shutdown corner replaces recently-traded cornerback Darius Slay and instantly improves the Detroit secondary under head coach Matt Patricia. Jackson, the other Ohio State player drafted early on, has the opportunity to earn a starting spot on the offensive line.
Other highlights include D’Andre Swift, who should fit nicely with running back Kerryon Johnson, and Julian Okwara, an edge rusher from Notre Dame who slid down draft boards due to injury concerns. While the Lions puzzled some people by doubling up at certain positions during the draft, they clearly improved and addressed a number of needs.
How their draft impacts the Bears: The Lions certainly improved in this draft and could give a few Bears some problems, starting with Okudah. He’ll immediately draw the assignment of covering Bears receiver Allen Robinson. Okudah is extremely talented, but will need to deal with a learning curve. Can he keep up with Robinson? Another tough matchup may include Okwara against the Bears tackles. If healthy, Okwara could give the Lions pass rush a boost against Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie. Finally, Swift will be a mismatch at times against the Bears linebackers as a change-of-pace back.
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